Rammer



0. W. MARLOW Dec. 1, 1953 RAMMER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 15, 1946 w m0 m n ma MN m w. 0 Y B AT TORN E YJ 0. W. MARLOW Dec. H, 1953 RAMMER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 15, 1946 .INVENTOR. Owen Mffa 140w 0. W. MARLOW RAMMER Dec. 1, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 15, 1946 JNVEN TOR. 011mm Mlifarlow BY %fi M% 4 Dec. 1, 1953 Filed April 15, 1946 O. W. MARLOW RAMMER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Dec. 1, 1%53 RAMMER Owen W. Marlow, Rock Island, Ill.

Application April 15, 1946, Serial No. 662,158

31 Claims. (01. 89-47) (Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952),

see. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to a rammer for a gun and more particularly to a rammer construction in which the rammer is driven or operated by power derived from the recoil of the weapon.

Rammers of the type to which the present invention particularly pertains are used mostly in automatic weapons found principally in aircraft cannon or in weapons used in antiaircrait de fense. Recent developments in weapons of this type have standardized generally on a construction in which the gun is provided with a support that carries a longitudinal rammer member for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and. counterrecoil and in which the power for operating the rammer is derived partly from the recoiling weapon and partly from spring mechanism loaded or tensioned upon action of the weapon in recoil.

It is characteristic of rammer constructions of the type referred to that the rammer member must travel in the direction of recoil a distance greater than that traveled by the recoiling gun tube. This requirement is due primarily to recent gun design in which the length of recoil is brought to a minimum; also, increased length of ammunition necessitates a longer rammer stroke. Accordingly, suitable mechanism must be provided to impart to the rammer sufiicient recoil force to drive the rammer through its necessary phase of travel. At the same time, cognizance must be taken of the tremendous forces set up in and the high velocities attained by the recoiling parts of the weapon, and suitable provision must be made to prevent these forces and velocities from damaging the rammer mechanism. Ithas been found that a direct connection between the recoiling gun tube and the rammer is suitable for propelling the rammer rearwardly or in the direction of recoil. However, it is desirable that this connection should prevent free travel of the rammer independently of the recoiling gun tube until such time as the recoiling gun tube has been retarded sufficiently to eliminate destructive forces and velocities. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a releasable connection between the gun tube and the rammer member, which connection is automatically releasable in response to the attainment by the recoiling gun,

tube of a predetermined position in which the rammer is freed from the gun tube so that it may travel its additional distance rearwardly to 2% a point at which it may be latched while the gun tube returns to battery.

Other problems encountered in the design and operation of rammer constructions of the general class described are incident to the failure 'of former constructions to provide suitable buffer and shock absorbing means.

The present invention contemplates and has for its principal object the provision of a rammer construction in which the rammer is operated by power derived from the recoiling gun tube and in which there is embodied an improved control means for releasing the connection be-. tween the rammer member and the recoiling gun tube for freeing the rammer from the gun tube for additional travel in the direction of recoil, whereby the rammer member may travel through. a predetermined maximum distance even though the length of travel of the gun tube in recoil may be relatively shorter.

It is an important object of the invention to provide control means for controlling the releasable connection between the rammer and the gun tube and specifically to provide this control means in the form of a pair of relatively angularly movable members conditioned for release upon a predetermined phase of travel of the gun tube and rammer member together.

It is likewise an important object of the invention to provide a release mechanism comprising a pair of coaxial, complementary release members, one of which is internally splined and the other of which is externally splined and to provide means for positioning these members angularly with respect to each other so that during one phase of operation of the rammer the teeth and grooves of the splines are relatively misaligned and in another phase of operation of the rammerj the teeth and grooves of the splines are aligned, whereby in the first instance the members are locked against relative axial movement and in the second instance the members are so posi-. tioned that the teeth on one splined member maypass freely axially through the grooves on the other splined member.

The invention has for another important object the provision of a rockable control tube connected to one of the splined members and formed with a generally longitudinal spiral or helical groove with which a, follower cooperates to move the tube angularly during reciprocation of the rammer member; the groove in the tube being so arranged and so positioned with respect to the follower that the tube will be partially rotated to move its connected splined member through 3 an appropriate angle with respect to the complementary splined member to align the teeth and grooves of the splined members so that the members may have free relative movement axially.

It is an object of the invention to provide follower means for the control tube that is adjustable through a relatively wide rangeof positions so that rotation of the tube may be variedf with respect to its longitudinal movement whereby release of the splined members may be varied ac cording to variations in the distance traveled by the gun tube in recoil.

The invention has for still another object the provision of an improved driving connection be tween the gun tube and rammer member includ 1 ing a pair of relatively cooperable bufier members constructed and arranged so that upon"ini-' tial movement of the gun tube and rammer mem- Other objects of the invention are to provide a 'r'a'rximer' construction in which the parts are tubular and concentrically arranged; to enclose the shoek-absorbing'means within the tubulai rammer member; to provide a minimum number of working parts; to form'the telescopically'ar ranged tubularmembers with appropriate cutout portions and 'cam grooves so that certain of the parts maybe made'toperfo'rm a plurality'of functions; and to provide janfimprove'd rainm'er construction in which'th'e' parts ay -be readily adapted to certain existing 'rammer' constructions "with a minimum of 'moiiificatiohs'"aiid expens'e. V

Briefly and specifically, the foregoing and other important objects and features are achieved in one preferredio'rm or the invention by aframmer' construction embodying a longi-f tu'dinal, generally tubular support attached to the cradle of a'recoiling gun and carrying a longitudinal tubular 'r'ammer'memberforr c prm cation in the dir'ectionsfof recoilland, count recoil and for rocking and'reversefrockingflabout' its longitudinal axis; established between the tubearid-bre'ech asse .1 bly of the'gun and the ramme'r' an'd'include's externally splined element on the rammer and 'a' complementary internally splined lement ari-Q ried by the driving member that is'attaclied to the "tube-anci bree'ch assembly. A camft'ra'ckj comprising a grooved rectangular, path on the'i support anda' follower on theramme'r is 1 mvide'd' for the purpose of guiding therammer "for movement rearwardly, then transversely,'then' forwardly, and again transversely in the opposite direction so that the rammer arm at'therearen'd of the rammer occupies a'firstpositi'on in axial alignment with the bore of. the gun tube while delivering or ramming a roundof ammunition and a second position spaced from' the *agiijs of' th'gun tube after the round has ben .chajm? bered. A control member'comprisinga tubular member formed with a longitudinal pasms groove is movable longitudinally and 'an'gula'rly as the rammer reciprocates and cooperates' with' a follower on the support for the purpose of mov A "driving" connection is" ing the aforesaid internally splined element angularly so that the teeth and grooves thereon are aligned with the teeth and grooves on the externally splined member on the rammer. This arrangement provides for a direct connection between the tube-and-breech assembly and the rammer. during a predetermined amount of travel thereof "in recoil and "effects release of the rammer from the driving connection for continued rearward movement after the tube-andbreech assembly has attained substantially its 'maximum recoil travel and returns to battery.

The rammermember is preferably tubular and encloses spring mechanism for absorbing shocks incident to; operation of the rammer. Th driving colnnection between the tube-and-breech assembly and the rammer includes a pair of relativelyengularly movable buiier members one of which includes a rigid element and also resilient or shock-absorbing material. The arrangement of the bufier members is such that upon initial a'ction'o'f .the'parts'fin recoil the rigid part of the one buffer element is engaged so that there is no yielding in the'drivi'ng connection. However, the parts are arranged forrelative angular movement so that'upon return of the rammer to its initial position the rigid element of the buffer;

member is recessed in the other buffer member in order that the impacto'f the buffer members rr la'sbe taken by the resilient ohshock-absorbingmate'rial. Another'fe'ature' of the invention resides in the adjustable follower which is positionable with respect to the control tube f o rcontrolling the internally splined member such a manner that compensation may be made -for variations in thelength of recoil of the particular gun to which the rammer is attached. I

A more completefunderstanding of the foregoing and other objects and 'features of the in ve'ntio'n mlay be had from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the accompanying sheets of drawings in which: I I

Fig. l is a plan View of the rammer shown in position one. relatively heavy caliber gun, the gun being illustrated diagrammatically and portions of the rammer being broken out to con dense the length thereof; 7

Fig; "2'is a detailed view of the rammer support show'ing'the rectangular cam track for guiding theframmer during its operation; h

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the cam tube which effects tensioning of the spring means for rockingthe rammer;

Figs. 4, 5jand 6 are respectively longitudinal sectionalviews showing the details of the rammer construction, each figure .representing a'longitudinal section of about one-third of theram;

mer, mechanism; the figures may be assembled end to end 'for the purpose of obtaining an illustration of the true length of the mechanism;

Fig. '7'is .a detailed view of the rear portion or section of thecontroltu be for regulating the release of. the rammer from the tu'be-and-breech assembly; I

.F gure 7A is a view of thererna'ining errorward portion of the aforesaid control tube, the

two Figures 7 and 7A, being joinable end-to-enii to depict the entire tube.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse sectional view showing the relationship between the control cam follower and the tubular members of the rammer mechanism;

Fig. is a transverse sectional view talren on the line ill-ii of Fig. 1 and showing the face of one of the buffer members of the driving connection between the rammer and the tube-andbreech assembly;

Fig. 11 is a complementary transverse Sectional view taken on the line H-H of Fig. 1 and showing the face of the other buffer member;.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line l2-l2 of Fig. l and showing the details of construction of the torsion spring mechanism for rocking the rammer about its axis;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line l .'-il3 of Fig. 1 and showing the relationship between the control cam follower, the support, and the control tube;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line li|i of Fig. 5 and showing the relationship between the tubular members of the rammer mechanism, particularly the intermediate bushing and spring collar;

Figs. 15, 16, 17 and 18 are respectively transverse sectional views talzen generally on the line i5l5 of Fig. 4 and showing the different positions occupied by the internally and externally splined. members during operation of the rammer; and

Fig. 19 is an end elevational view, taken from the breech end of the weapon, showing the different positions occupied by the rammer arm during its different phases of operation.

As stated above, the preferred embodiment of the rammer construction has been designed with a view toward adapting this construction for attachment to certain existing guns and the illustration herein is of such an adaptation. However, is should be appreciated that the rammer construction may be appropriately modified to suit other conditions; accordingly, the description and drawings should be taken as illustrative and not limiting.

The particular type of weapon chosen for the purposes of the present illustration is a relatively heavy caliber gun (herein '75-mm.) embodying recoil mechanism of the concentric type. One such gun of this type is shown in the United States Patent to Lucht, No. 2,358,340. In this patent, the gun is shown as comprising a gun tube carried for recoil and counter-recoil in a cylindrical casing, which casing also houses, in the annular space between the gun tube and the inner periphery of the casing, a recoil mechanism of the hydrospring type. Since the gun herein illustrated is shown only as a basis for demonstrating the mounting and operation of the rammer, it is not deemed necessary to set forth the details or" the gun construction.

As shown in the present drawings, the gun comprises a support or cradle 25 preferably of tubular construction and corresponding to the cylindrical easing or support referred to inthe above mentioned patent. The support encloses the intermediate portion of a gun tube 25 and mounts the gun tube for recoil and counterrecoil, the recoil mechanism being contained within the cylin rical support 25 as referred to above. The rear end of the gun tube 25 is connested in the usual manner to a breech ring 2? which includes a breechblock 28 of conventional construction. It will be understood that the tube-and-breech assembly 26-2! is movable in recoil and counterrecoil with respect to the support and that the support is fixed against recoil and counter-recoil and is carried in any conventional manner in a suitable gun mount (not shown). The breech ring 21 is provided at its rear end with a shell-trayzs on which individual rounds of ammunition may be placed to be rammed into the chamber of the gun tube. In this respect, it is to be noted that the tray 29 is shown only for the purposes of illustration, for the rammer construction about to be described may be employed with other types of shell-feeding mechanism, whether fully auto-- matic, semi-automatic or manually operable.

The rammer comprises supporting structure by means of which the rammer mechanism may be mounted on the cylindrical cradle 25 of the gun. For this purpose the rammer construction includes a generally cylindrical longitudinal tubular supporting member 30 formed at its top with an extremely elongated rectangular opening 3i (Figs. 1 and 2). The rear portion of the support til includes a vertical flange 32 by means of which the support may be rigidly mounted on a vertical mounting pad on the right-hand side of the gun cradle 25. The forward portion of the member 3! is provided with a square flange 33 which is appropriately bored to receive a plurality of cap screws 34 (Figs. 1 and 8) by means of which the forward end of the support may be rigidly connec'ed to an intermediate hollow housing 35. The housing is provided with laterally extending opposite trunnions or bosses 36 (Figs. 1, 8, 9 and 13) either of which may be used to mount the housing on a forward portion of the gun cradle 25. As best shown in Figs. 1 and 13, a bracket 3? is positionable on and rigidly sccurable to a mounting pad at the upper forward portion of the gun cradle 25. This bracket 37 extends laterally toward the housing 35 and is provided at its outer end with a vertical flange 38 apertured to receive the proximate trunnion or boss 36 of the housing 35. An apertured collar 39 fits over that portion of the trunnion 36 that extends through the apertured flange 38 and is preferably rigidly secured to the flange, as by welding or otherwise, to provide reinforcement for the flange and to provide further an adequate bearing or mounting portion for the trunnion or boss 36. Each trunnion is provided with a tapped bore 58 and the trunnion used for the support of the housing 35 receives a cap screw ll which is passed through a Washer 42 that overlies the aperture in the collar 39 on the flange 33. A reinforcing rib 43 connects the mounting flange 38 with the main body portion of the bracket This construction provides for rigidly mounting the forward end portion of the tubular support til of the gun cradle 25 and, in conjunction with the bracket flange 32, fixes the support 3% on the cradle against movement while the gun recoils and returns to battery. The forward face of the housing 35 is machined and receives a square flange formed at the rear end of a longitudinal tubular member 45. A plurality of cap screws at (Figs. 1 9) serves to connect the flange aid of the tubular member rigidly to the housing 35 so that the tubular member 35 forms in effect a rigid but removable longitudinal extension or continuation of the supporting structure comprising the tubular member 355 and housing 35.

The tubular supporting structure just described serves as means for carrying a longitudinally ex tending rammer member iiii;- .Thiscmemberlis preferably tubular cross section rand-extends throughout the tubular mount comprising the "support as, housing 35, and tubular member 55.

The rammer 58 projects at-the rear *or breechward' end of the tubular support 36 and carries ring 22'. The rammer armbl carries'at its free end a rammerhead 52 for engagement with rounds of"ammunition, as'will presently appear.

The forwarder counterrecoilend of the rammer '59 extends a 'c'onsiderabl'e' distancetbeyond the forward end of the tubular'member 55 (Figs.j land 6') and is provided at its extreme forward end with buffermeans'indicated generally by the numeral 53. This buiier comprises a sleeve E l, threaded on athread'ed portion 55 'atthe extreme forward end of the rammer memberbll. A ring li'fi' is held on the rear portion of the sleeve 54 by means of asnap ring 51. Yieldingor shock-absorbing material, such as rubber or the'like, indicated by the numeral is carried by the sleeve 5Q between the ring and aradial'fiange 59 preferably forn'ie'd integrally with the sleeve 55. A'locking screw eilrigidly' secures the sleeve 5% to the end of-the rammer EEL The tubular support '30 carries intermediate its ends a longitudinal or torque tube 68, the detail of which is shown in Fig. 3. The rear portion of v the tube is provided with a rigidly mounted ex ternal radial fiange'fi? and the forward end is threaded asat t3 to' receive a securing nut t l. This nut includes a locking-ring or wire 55 that prevents loosening of the nut ts from the threaded portion 63 of the tube '51.

As shown in Figs. 2 and '4, the rear end ofthe tubular support is provided with a cylindrical.

collar 66 which is annularly recessed toreceivea bushing 31 tube El is rockably carried in the support '36. The forward end of the support '30, within the mounting flange 33, carr-ies a bushing '68 which rockab-ly m'ountstheforward end of'the tube 6 l The inner radial face of the flange 62 at the rear'end or the tu'be i) l abuts the outer or rear radial face or" the collar 66 on the support 30'and the nut 64 at the forward end of the tube 6| abuts the bushing 68 of the supporttil. The tube Si is thus held against endwisemovementwith respect to the support 39 but is mounted for rocking and reverse rocking, for a purpose to presently appear. The tube BI is provided with-a longitudinal, partially spiraled cam groove 69, the function of which will likewise appear below.

From the description thus far it will be seen that the rammer 5-5 is mounted in the support 3 for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil and for rocking and reverse rocking about its axis and that the tube'B l which encircles the intermediate portion of the rammer, is fixed against recoil and countercoil but may have rocking movement about its axis. For the purpose of propelling the rammer iiil-rearwardly or in the direction of recoil, and for rocking the tube 5 the rammer construction includes a driving connection between the rammer and the tubeand breech assembly 252l.

The preferred form of driving connection herein illustrated and described comprises a driving member indicated generally by the numeral Hi and including a supporting portion H rigidly connected by a plurality of cap screws 12 to an upper forward portion of the breech ring 2-! of the gun. A tubular or hollow cylindrical portion by means of which the rear end of the circles the intermediate portion of that "l3 is formed integral with themountin :portion 1 I and issuitablyreinforced by transverse ribs." and a plurality of longitudinal, circumferentially spaced ribs 15. The cylindrical portion B en.-

.part of the rammer '50 between the rammer arm 51' and the collar 66' on the. support '39 (Figs. land 4) andis provided at its interior with an inwardly directed radial flange H5 at the forward side of which is mounted a bushing 11. A sleeve 18 cmcircles the proximate portion of the rammer and is rockably carried by the bushing ii and by a bushing l9between theinterior of the sleeve and the outer periphery of the rammer 50. The rear end ofthesleeve i8 is formedwithan external radial flange-8Q which abuts against the radial flangelfi on the cylindrical portion 13 of the driving member '53; The sleeve 18 extends forwardly and isrigidly connected to acl'ongitu'dinally extending control tube Bl (shown in detail .in Figures-'7 and 7A) mer 5D and-is encircled by the tube i3! previously described at its rearward end, and bytube 45 at its forward end. The tube 81 extends forwardly and terminates just short of the forward end of the external tubular member-45 (Fig. 6) at which point the tube Si is threaded, as at 82, and receives a nut'83. A locking wire'84' secures the nut 33 to the tube 8|. The nut 83 is formed with a bearing-surface at its outer periphery and mounts the forward end of the tube 8! for reciprocation and for angular movement within the external tubular member d5.

The tube 8'! is providedintermediateits ends with an internal collar 85 (Fig.- 5) which encircles a collar or bushing illicarried onthe rammer 50.

The collar 85- is rigidly mounted in the tubc8i,

asby a press fit or by spot Welding. However, the collar 86 is axially slidably mounted with respect to the ram-mer- 58. A comparatively powerful compression spring 8-1 encirclesthe rammer 5D and has one end abutting the collarBB- (Fi 5) and itsother end abuttingone side of a radial flange 88 formed integral with an intermediate collar esaxially slidably-carried on the rammer 50 at a portion thereof forwardly of the forward end of the external tube 45 (Fig. 6). One end of a similar but reversely coiled compression spring 96 abuts the other side of the radial flange 88 of theintermediate collar 89 and itsother end abuts a ring- 9! that encircles the rammer 50 adjacent the buffer means 53. It will be noted that the ring 9| is positively spaced from the buffer ring 58 so that the springs 81 and 30 have no efiect on the resilient buffer material 58.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the driving member 10 has rigidly secured thereto at its rear face a buffer ringed This-ring is secured to the driving member If; by means of a plurality" of cap screws 96 passed through'the rear reinforcng rib ls and threaded into the ring. As shown in Figs. -1 and 11, the buffer ringis provided with a plurality of radially extending recesses 91, spaced apart angularly at intervals of for a purpose to be presently described. The rammer arm 5! includes an integral longitudinal sleeve t8 fitted on the rear end of the rammer 56. The interior of this end of the rammer 59 is threaded and receives a transversely apertured, threaded securing member 99; A tapered pin I00 is driven through the sleeve 98, securing member 99, and rammer 50 and serves to mount the sleeve 98 and rammer arm 5| rigidly on the rear endof the rammer 59. The forward portion of the sleeve 98 15 provided with an integral, radially outwardly This tube encircles the ramdirected flange Isl spaced longitudinally from the buffer ring 95 on the driving member ID (Fig. l). Bufiing means, indicated generally by the numeral IE5, is interposed between the flange I| and the buffer ring 95. This bufier means comprises a radial ring I86 which abuts the flange IIlI and which includes a plurality of angularly spaced, longitudinally directed rigid sleeves I 31 (one of which is shown in full lines in Fig. 4

and all of which are shown in dotted lines in Fig.

10). The angular spacing between the sleeves I"! is also 90.

Each sleeve is preferably integrally formed with the ring I05 and is internally threaded. A circular plate I08, provided with a plurality of apertures I99 corresponding to the size and spacing of the sleeves I81, is carried by the sleeves and is secured thereto by a plurality of cap screws I II] threaded respectively into the sleeves. Re-

silient or compressible shock-absorbing material,

such as rubber or the like, indicated generally by the numeral III, is interposed between the ring I 05 and circular plate I33. The heads of the cap screws II 9 are larger than the openings I89 in the endwise displacement forwardly but may be moved rearwardly to compress the resilient material III. A second plate I I2 is provided with a plurality of openings H3, sui'ficiently large to fit loosely over the heads of the cap screws III], and is rigidly mounted on the plate I 08 by a plurality of countersunk flathead screws II 4.

The construction thus described functions so that upon initial action of the parts in recoil, the buffer ring 35 on the driving member If: engages the heads of the cap screws III]. There is thus no compressing of the yieldable material I II in the louder means I35. However, as will hereinafter appear, when the relative angular positions of the parts change through an angle of 45 upon return of the rammer to its starting position, the heads of the cap screws IIE become aligned respectively with the recesses 91 in the bufier ring 95 so that the resilient material III is compressible and is available to absorb shocks incident to return of the rammer.

As best shown in Figs. 4 and '7, the radial flange B8 at the rear end of the control tube 8| is provided with means including a plurality of lugs for the purpose of engaging a complementary member on the rammer 50. In the preferred embodiment of the invention herein illustrated and described, this means comprises an internal spline II5 formed on the interior of the flange 8G and a complementary external spline H6 formed on a flanged collar I I7 rigidly mounted on the rammer member 53 within the sleeve 78 of the tube 8|. As will hereinafter appear, the splines H5 and H6 are so arranged and operable that relative endwise movement between the rammer 50 and driving member l'il is prevented until the tubeand-breech assembly has reached a predetermined position in recoil, at which point the control tube 8| is movable angularly with respect to the rammer 50 so that the teeth and grooves of the splined elements H5 and IE5 are aligned, whereby the'externally splined element H6 may pass freely axially through the teeth and grooves of the internally splined element II5 to free the rammer from the driving member 76 for additional movement rearwardly after the tube-andbreech assembly reaches its maximum recoil position and returns to battery.

As best shown in Fig. 5, the interior, intermediate portion of the tubular rammer 5|! rigidly carpla-te I08 and the plate is thus held against ries a tubular sleeve I29 that is internally threaded at its rear end, as at 82 I, and that is provided at its forward end with an apertured, transverse endwall I 22. The sleeve 28 is :iotted at diametrically opposed upper and lows: portions thereof as at I 23, these slots being respectively aligned with diametrically opposed upper and lower slots I24 and I25 formed in upper andlower wall portions of the tubular rammer 55. A cylindrical block or limit member I26 is carried for limited axial sliding movement in the sleeve 28 and is provided with a control pin I27 pinned to the blocl: intermediate its ends and extending at its opposite ends through the slots I23, in the sleeve IZQ and through the slots I24 and I 25 in the rammer tube 59. As best shown in Fig. 7, the rear portion of the control tube 3| is cut out to provide an elongated rectangular opening I28 corresponding generally in size and shape to the rectangular opening 3| in the rammer support 30. The pin I21 extends through the opening I28 in the tube 8| and extends also through the spiral groove 69 in the tube GI and upwardly into the rectangular opening Si in the rammer support 33. As will presently appear, the pin I2! performs the double function of guiding the rammer 56 around the rectangular opening 3| and of rocking the tube 6 I.

The block I 26 is opposed at its rear end by one end of a compression spring I29, the other end of which abuts against a nut I38 threaded into the threaded end I2I of the sleeve I 23. The nut I 30 is formed with an internal hexagonal opening |3| (Figs. 5 and 8) to which a tool may be applied for tightening the nut. A lock nut I32 is threaded into the portion |2| of the sleeve IE3 behind the nut I33. The nut I32 is provided with an internal hexagonal opening its by means of which the nut may be tightened (Figs. 5 and 8). It will be noted that the hexagonal opening I33 in the nut I32 is larger than the hexagonal opening I3! in the nut I38 so that the nuts may be independently turned in the threaded portion I2! of the sleeve I20 for the purpose of adjusting the compression on the spring I29. The other end of the block is provided with a tapped bore into which is threaded one end of a forwardly extending rod I34, the end wall I22 of the sleeve I28 being apertured to provide for the free passage therethrough of the rod. The forward end of the rod I35 is threaded and receives thereon a flanged collar I35 and nut I36. A compression spring I3? is interposed between the collar I35 and the forward face of the end wall I22 on the sleeve I20. The action of the springs I25 and I37 is such as to urge the control pin I23 toward the forward end of the slots I23, I24 and I25 and to permit limited axial movement of the block against the yielding action of the springs I29 and I31.

As stated previously, the rammer construction embodies means for controlling the movement of the rammer in a generally rectangular path. This control is accomplished by means of the cooperation of the control pin I 21 of the rammer 50 with the rectangular opening 3 I in the rammer support 30. As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the rectangular opening 3| is partially filled by an elongated rectangular control member I40 generally proportionately smaller than the opening 3|. This member is spaced inwardly from the opposite sides and the opposite ends of the rectangular opening 3| to provide a continuous rectangular track or groove in which the control pin I21 travels during operation of the rammer. The member I49 is secured in position with respect to :latch member I41.

the tubular support 36 by a pair of transverse front and rear supporting plates iii, and E42 and forms an island in the opening 3!. l'the upper portion of the tubular support 36 is provided with a plurality of mounting pads I43 on which the plates MI and I42 are rigidly carried, being secured thereto by suitable cap screws and dowel pins.

The forward transverse plate I4I, that mounts the longitudinal member I in the opening 3I, rigidly supports a bracket I44 which carries a transverse pivot pin I45. A control member I46 is rockably carried: on, the pin I and is engageable with the depressible forward end of a This member I61 is pivoted Lon a transverse pin I48 mounted on a forward portion of the longitudinal rectangular member I40. As best shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the rear end of the latch I41. is out out as at I46 and coincides generallywith the rear end of the rectangular opening 3I in the tubular support 36. 'A coil spring I is compressible between an intermediate underportion of the latch I41 and an upper portion of the rear end of the member I40 and the latch toward the posi- 4. When the rammer is profunctions to urge tion shown in Fig.

:pelled; rearwardly upon recoil of the gun, the control pin I21 follows the groove established by the right side of the member I40 ,(as viewed from the breech of the gun) and the rectangular opening 3 I and passes under the latch I41 and is engaged by thecutout portion I49 of the latch. The rear transverse supporting plate I4I-carries a second bracket I50v which in turn carries a solenoid I5I having a, plunger 152 engageable with the rockable member I46. It will be noted that the function of the latch I41 is to retain the rammer 53 in its rearward or recoiled position, from which position it may be releasedby action of the solenoid I5 I, which operates through the member I46 to depress the forward end of the latch I41 so .that the rear end- I49 thereof is raised to free the control pin I21 therefrom. whereby the rammer .may return to its initial position as shown in Fig. 1.

The rammer is propelled in the direction of recoil by action of the .recoilinggun tube and is returned in the direction of counterrecoilby action of the springs 81 and 90. Additional means ,are provided forzimparting rocking and reverse rocking action to the rammer so that the control pin I21; may travel-transversely (in a counterclockwise directionas viewedfrom the-breech) across the rear end of the rectangular opening 3| and transversely in the opposite direction (or clockwise) across the forward end of the; rectangular opening 3|. In the present instance the means for accomplishing this result embodies torsion spring mechanism controlled; by the tube BI and operated by reciprocation of the rammer.

As best shown in Figs. 1, Land 12, the collar 66 at the rear end of the tubular support 30 is encircled by a torsion spring I having itsopposite ends directed vertically upwardly and in .parallel relation as at I6I; and I62. The collar 66 has formed integrally therewith ati-ts forward .end an upwardly projecting ear-I63 which -in turn rigidly carries a longitudinallyrearwardly extending pin I64. As shownin- Figs. 1 and 12, the pin I64 passes between the spring ends :I6I and I62. The external flange 62 at the rear end of the tube 6| (Figs. 1, S and 4) provided'with an integral upwardly projecting ear I65 onwhich is mounted a longitudinally forwardly extending t2 pin I66. This pin parallels the pin I64 and, like the pin I64, passes between the spring ends I:6I and. I62. It will beeseen that as the tube 6| is rocked in a-clockwise direction (as viewed from the breech of the weapon) thepin I66 will engage the spring end I6I- and the spring end I62 will engage. the stationary pin I64; Continued rota tion of the tube 6'I.- and its pin I66 will wrap the spring I60 more tightlyabout the collar 66: and will load. or tension the spring for reactionin a counterclockwise direction. Conversely, rocking of the tube 6I in a counterclockwisedirection will cause the pin I66 toengage the spring end. I62 and the stationary pin I64 on the collar66 will engage the spring. end I6I1;. and the spring I60 will be loaded or tensioned for reaction in a clockwise direction. Rotation or rocking of the tube 6I in eitherzdirection is effected by means of cooperation between the control pin I21 on the rammer 50 and. the spiral groove 69 in the tube 6|.

For the purpose of imparting rotation to the control tube 8 I: for controlling the relative angular positions of: the splined elements I I5 and H6, the rammer mechanism is provided with control means comprising a longitudinal, partially spiraled groove I10 formed in the rear half of the control tube 6| (Fig 7) and a control follower'carriedby the supporting structure and engageable with this spiraled groove. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention herein illustrated anddescribed, the control follower means is incorporated-in the intermediate housing 35 previously described as being mounted on the gun cradle 35 by-means of the'bracket 31.

I As best shown in Fig. 13, the housing 35 is rectangular in cross section and is hollow to the ex- .tent that it is formed with a longitudinal cylindrical opening coaxial with the tubular support 36, the external tube 45, and the other rammer components. The housing 35 is provided with upper and lower generally diametrically opposed circular openings HI and I12. A circular, bored and tapped mounting block I13 is fitted within the upper opening I1-I and is formed witha pair of apertured mounting ears I14 by means of which the block may be rigidly secured to the upper surface of. the housing 35 as by a pair of cap screws I15. The upper portion of the housing 35 is provided with a pair of transversely spaced tapped bores I16 to accommodate the cap screws I15. The lower portion of the housing 35 is provided at opposite sides of the lower mounting opening I12 with a pair of similar tapped bores 111', shown in Fig. l3 as receiving a pair of screws I16 by means of which a removable cover I19 is secured over the opening I12.

The mounting block I13 carries in the tapped bore therein a follower stud I which has a threaded shank portion fitting the threaded bore in the plug or block I13. The inner or lower end of the follower I66 is machined and extends into the groove I10 in the control tube 8|. A lock nut I8I is threaded onto that portion of the stud I60 that extends outwardly through the block I13. The stud I80. may be adjusted vertically in the block I13 and the lock nut I8! iseffective tofix its position. The collar 85, previously described as being rigidly carried' bythe tube 8I', is-formed with agroove I82 which is aligned with the spiral groove I10 in the control tube 8| (Figs. 5, '7 and 14). This collanin addition to serving as a bushing for the collar 86 on the rammer 50 also reenforces the intermediate section of the tube BI.

Asbest seen-in Fig. 5,the parallel axes of the circular mounting openings I'll and I12 in the housing 35 are longitudinally spaced apart. Likewise, the cam follower I8!) is eccentric to or radially oifset with respect to the axis of the circular mounting block I13. Hence, the block may be rotated 180 about its axis to provide for two positions of the follower 69. The design of the housing '35 is such that the mounting block 513 may be mounted in either opening ill or H2 in either of two positions, giving a combined total of four mounting positions for the follower I39. Each of these positions bears a difierent relationship to the partially spiraled groove ill! in the control tube 8! that is to say, the follower 585 is variably positionable with respect to the critical curved portion of the groove #79 so that adjustment maybe had as to the point at which the control tube 8| will be rotated to move the internally splined element H5 angularly wit respect to the externally splined element H5 on the rammer 58. The housing 35 may be removed from the supporting bracket 3'! rotated 130, and remounted in a second position in which the opening 5 i2 is disposed at the top of the housing. The trunnions or bosses 86, being similar, provide for the support of the housing in either position.

The front end of the external tubular member 55 (see Fig. 6) is provided with a ring 183 which in turn carries a buiier washer I84 preferably composed of fiber or other similar material. The ring 183 is rigidly secured to the tube 55, as by welding. When the rammer reaches its rearwardmost position, shocks incident to this phase of its operation will be absorbed by the buffer 53 as the buffer plate 55 engages the fiber washer I84.

In the operation of the weapon equipped with the preferred form of rammer construction just described, a round of ammunition is loaded manually into the chamber of the gun tube. After the gun is fired, the tube-and-breech assembly 26-2! recoils and, by means of the driving member 7!), drives or propels the rammer 53 rearwardly. As previously stated, the initial relationship between the buiier ring 95 and the buffer means i 235 is such that the ring engages the heads of the longitudinally extending cap screws lit. Thus there is no compression or yielding of the resilient material. ill in the buffer 85. The relationship between the internally splined element M5 on. the control tube 8i and the externally splined element H5 on the rammer 59 is such that the teeth of the elements are axially aligned and initially occupy the positions shown in Fig. 15. In order that a better understanding may be had of the operation of the splined elements H5 and I is, one tooth and one groove on each splined element will be selected as a referonce or index point from which the action of these parts may be followed. The reference tooth and adjacent grove on the element 1 i5 will be designated by the letters A and B, respectively, and the reference tooth and adjacent groove on the element lit will be designated by the letters and D, respectively.

As shown in Fig. 15, which shows the initial positions of the parts before recoil, the tooth A on the splined element i i is axially aligned with the tooth C on the element H6 so that axial movement of the rammer 59 in the direction of recoil with respect to the driving member Ill is prevented. This relationship between the splined elements serves to connect the rammer 50 directly and positively to the tube-and-breech assembly, at least during the initial stages of reis a coil. This connection is important for the reason that it prevents sudden rearward movement of the rammer upon initial impact of the driving member 10 against the buffer Hit. It will be appreciated that in the absence of such connection the tremendous impetus resulting from recoil of the tubeand-breech assembly would drive the rammer 5i} rearwardly with such force as to cause virtual destruction thereof.

As mentioned above, the maximum travel of the gun in recoil is not suflicient to carry the rammer rearwardly, via a direct connection therewith, to a position in which the rammer arm 5| will engage a round of ammunition subsequently placed on the tray 29 or fed to loading position rearwardly of the breech ring 21 by such automatic feeding mechanism as may be utilized. For this reason, the connection between the tube-and-breach assembly and the rammer is such that the rammer may be released from the driving member 70 after the tube-andbreech assembly has traveled a predetermined distance in recoil. As an example of the relationship between the distance traveled by the tube-and-breech assembly and the rammer, it will be assumed that the recoil distance of the tube-and-breech assembly of the gun herein illustrated is approximately nineteen inches and the required distance of rearward travel of the rammer 52 is approximately twenty-three inches. The spiraled groove I70 in the control tube 8| is so designed as to ellect the release of the rammer 58 from the driving member ill at or before the attainment by the tube-and-breech assembly of maximum recoil travel, at which point the tube-and-breech assembly will have been braked by action of the recoil mechanism and this braking action, because of the then direct connection between the breech ring 27 and rammer 5!], will be eifective to minimize the tendency of the rammer to surge rearwardly with excessive force and at an excessively high velocity. It will be noted that the groove i'iil (Fig. 7) is substantially straight throughout a considerable portion of its longitudinal extent and then curves relatively sharply and finally is again substantially straight. As the rammer Ell travels rearwardly under the power derived from the recoiling tubeand-breech assembly, the control tube 8! is carried therewith. As stated above, the control tube is connected to the driving member '53 for rearward movement by means of the external flange at the rear end thereof. Consequently, as the rammer 5H and tube 8| travel rearwardly and reach approximately the end of the recoil stroke, the tube 8| is rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the breech of the gun) by means of engagement between the groove HE} therein and the follower I35 carried by the stationary support or housing 35 (see arrow, Fig. 15), as the follower travels along the spiral portion of the groove or slot.

When the components of the rammer are in the positions illustrated in Figs. 1 through 15, the rammer arm 5! will be in its uppermost position, or in a position in which it is spaced its greatest distance laterally or upwardly from the axis of the gun tube 26. This uppermost position of the rammer arm 5! is shown in the upper broken lines in Fig. 19. As the rammer travels rearwardly, the arm 55 remains in this position with respect to the axis of the gun tube, since the control or guide pin I27 on the rammer follows the groove established between the righthand side of the rectangular opening 31 in the tudinalguide member Iii]. When the; control support and the proximate sideof thelo'iigitube BI is rotated in a clockwise direction by I means of engagementbetweenthe spiral groove 7 'Il'fl therein and the follower I88 inthe housing as the'tube-and-breech assembly approaches its rearwardmost position, theinternally splined element H5 on the control tubeSI is-moved'an-' gularly, so, that the tooth A and groove B-.

thereon are respectively aligned with the groove D andtooth G on theexternally splined. element Me of the rammer 58,:and-thee 1ements assume the positions shown in Fig. 16-. -When the parts are inthis position: the rammer" is freed from its connection to the driving, member l8; and. may travel the necessary additional distance rearwardly by reason of its momentum.

.When the rammerreaches its rearwardmost position the control or guide pin" I2 'I-thereon,hav

ing followed the groove down the right-handside of the guide means til-I'M will passunder the latch mi and; as the rammer so is rocked'in a counterclockwisedirection by the torsion spring H38; will be engaged 'bythe cut out portion I49 of the latch. At this time,-, the externally splined I; I elementle will be to the rear of the internally splinedelement II 5, and the angular relationship between the splines on these, elements will be as I illustrated "in Fig. 17, the arrow indicating the I directionof rocking of the rammer 5'0.

a clockwise direction'forreaotion' in a counterwith respect to the rammer- 5t). Then, when the pinI 21 reaches the rear end of the rectangular member I48 and is freed from the confines thereof, the spring I will react to rock the rammer inacounterclockwise direction until the pin I-27-is stopped by the cut-out end I49 of the release latch I41, thus moving the rammer arm SI downwardly to the full line position shownin Fig 19, and the corresponding changeinthe relationship betweenthe relative angular positions of the splined elements H5 and H6 will be as 4 splined element II 5, whichcondition is necessary because it is virtually impossible to time the relative angular movements of the control tube 8 I and rammer 50 without the allowance of somev latitude forv discrepancy. It will be. understood. of course,. that the relative movement between theseparts occur at such tremendous speedsthat adequate provision must be made for .eifecting thereleaseof the parts as rapidly and as. simply aspossible.

-With.the rammer latched in. its rear position;

the tube-and-breech assembly will return to battery and will carry with it the spline-control tube 8|. .Since the collar is fixed inside the control tube. 81', it will compress the springs-81 turns These springs will-thus beloaded for reaction to return the rammerin a forwarddirection upon release of the latch I41. At the same time, when the control tube 8| is returned forwardly, it is I rocked in a counterclockwise direction and rethe internally splined element II5 toits original position (Fig. 18) thus conditioning the tooth A and groove. B? thereon to permit passage thereth'rough of the groove D and tooth C of the externally splined element II6, as will 7 5'!) is still latched its rear position and there will be nochange in the angular position. of the I I externally splined element IIB, which will m I be brought out below. At this time, the rammer main inlthe position'shown in Fig. 17.

When a shell has been placed on or fed to the tray 29'in'position' to be rammed by the rammer clockwise direction. This result follows from the j engagement between the groove 69 inthe tube Bi and" the control. pin I27 I-Ience as the control pin I2? -t1 avels rearwardly it will effect clockwise rotation of the tube (the tube BI being I held as aforesaid against endwise, displacement on the tray 29.

o. During rearward travel or, the 'r'ammer '50, the torsionspring It!) will have been tensionedin arm 5I, the solenoid I5I is energizedand the I plunger I52 engages the rockable member IflBand I depresses thelatchM'I. This action raises the rear end I49 of the latch and releases the ar, 7 tin pin IZ'I therefrom. It willbe noted that the cut-out portion I49 ofithe latch I4! is such that the pin is stopped in a position midway between its transverse travel at the rear end of the rectangular opening 31, resulting in the intermediate positioning of the rammer armias shown in full lines in Fig. 19. 'When the latch, I41 is actuated to release thepin I21, the rammer 50 completes its counterclockwise rocking and therammer arm 5I is moved another 22 /9, to its lowermostposition' as shown in the lowerbroken line 7 position in'Fig.19'. In this position; the rammer I head 52 on the rammer arm 5I' is substantially in axialalignment with the bore of the gun tube 2 6'and in'a position to positivelyengagea round ing 3| (still under. control of the partially loaded torsion spring I60), it is freed from the rear end of the longitudinal member I40, and the loaded compression springs 81 and react to drive the rammer forwardly to load the round of ammuniwith respect ,to the teeth on the internally splined element I I5. At this point, theexternally splined element II6 will have moved to the position shown in Fig. 18. In this position, the tooth C and. groove D of theelement I I6 are again respectiv'elyyaligned withthe groove "B and tooth A of the internally splined element II5, so that, when the. rammer completes its forward traveL. the teeth. on the. externally splined element IIGJ may pass freely axially through the grooves the internally splined element Il5. When the. rammer reaches, its forwardmost position, the pin I21, .having .traveledup the left side of the rectangular opening 3| andproximate edge of the longitudinal..m.ember I40, will reach the forward end, of the rectangular opening 3| and willhave rockedthe spring-control tube 6| in a counterclockwise, direction to load the torsion spring I66 for reaction in a clockwise direction; suchreaction of the torsion spring I60v will rock the: rammer-fiIl-reversely so that the pin I21 again occupies the. position shown in Fig. 1 and so; that .they rammerarm 5| .is again moved 45 upwardlyto the uppermost position as shown in I As thepin I21 completes its" traverse at the rear end of the rectangular openmovement, the externally spllned element H6 will have passed axially forwardly through the internally splined element II (because of the alignment shown in Fig. 18) and the elements will again occupy the positions shown in Fig. 15.

During forward travel of the rammer 50, the relationship between the bufier I05 and the buffer ring 95 is such that the cap screws III! are respectively aligned with the recesses 91. Consequently, as the rammer reaches its forward position, the shock incident thereto will be absorbed by the resilient material II I of the buffer I05. Then, as the rammer is reversely rocked at the end of its forward stroke, the cap screws v III] again become misaligned with respect to the recesses 91, and the rammer and its components are again conditioned for a succeeding cycle of operation. 7

It has been found in the operation of rammers of earlier design that latching of the rammer in its rearwardmost position results in the setting up of longitudinal vibrations of relatively high magnitude that occur because of sudden stopping of the rammer and its tendency to attempt to return forwardly under action of the springs 81 and 90. I-Ieretofore, the shock arising from these vibrations was taken directly by the latch I41 and control pin I21 and in many instances the latch I 41 became damaged and the pin I21 was sheared from the block I26. According to the present invention, these disadvantages are eliminated by means of the spring mounting of the block I26 and its pin I21. As the rammer reaches its rearward position, shocks incident to the sudden stopping thereof are absorbed by the buffer 53 and to some extent are absorbed by the springs 81 and 99 as these springs are rapidly compressed by the quick return of the gun to battery. The

tendency of the pin I21 to bounce longitudinally i in the cut-out I49 of the latch I41 is controlled by action of the springs I29 and I31, the pin I21 and block I26 being longitudinally slidable against the tension of the springs within the limits defined by the slots I23, I24 and I25.

One important characteristic of guns, even of the same type and model, is that the recoil length thereof vary. Likewise, recoil travel in the same weapon may vary from time to time, depending upon climatic conditions and upon the age and extent of use of the gun. Variations of this type are of major importance in such cases as the present, in which a rammer is operated and controlled by power derived from recoil. In the present instance, these variations in recoil travel will be reflected in variations in the stages at which the rammer will be released from the driving member 19; that is to say, variations will occur with respect to the points at which the control tube BI will be rotated to free the externally splined element H5 from the internally splined element M5 for additional axial movement.

As described above, the housing is so constructed as to provide for adjustable positioning of the control follower I85. When the housing 3.5 is in the position shown in the drawings, the mounting block in may be mounted in either of two longitudinally spaced positions in the upper opening ill in the housing, which, because of the eccentric mounting of the follower I88, will afiord two longitudinally spaced apart positions for the follower. If neither of the two positions thus obtainable is satisfactory, the housing 35 may be removed from the supporting bracket 31, rotates 18D", and remcunted on the bracket 31. In this case it will be necessary to remove the ing the plug in place.

cap screws 34 and 46 which secure the flanges 33 and 44 of the support 36 and external tube 45 respectively to opposite ends of the housing 35. In the second position of the housing the opening I12 will be at the top of the housing; the capv screws H8 and cover plate I19 are removed from the opening, and the mounting plug 516 is installed therein, the cap screws I15 being threaded into the tapped bores I11 for the purpose of hold- The cover plate may be then secured over the opening I'll, being held in place by the screws I18.

The foregoing description has set forth the principle of construction and operation of the rammer mechanism. Incidental details of the rammer construction and of the functioning of the various components thereof will readily ap-. pear to those skilled in the art, as will certain changes in construction, to adapt the rammer to various types of weapons. It will be understood, of course, that the present disclosure relates to a preferred form of the invention and that several modifications and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counter-recoil, a rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, means including a re: lease element mounted for angular movement about an lying along the path of reciprocae tion of said rammer member and forming a releasable connection between the tube-and-breech assembly and said rammer member by means of which the tube-and-breech assembly in recoil may drive said rammer member breechwardly, means for moving said release element angularly for re leasing said connection to free the tube-andbreech assembly from said rammer member so that the former may return in counterrecoil with; out the latter,- and means for subsequently moving said rammer member in the direction of counter recoil. I

2. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against the recoil and counterrecoil, a rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, means including a release element mounted for angular movement about an axis lying along the path of reciproca tion of said rammer member, a releasable connection between the tube-and-breech assembly and rammer member by means of which the rammer member is prevented from recoil movement independently of the tube-and-breech assembly for a predetermined portion only of the recoil movement of said tube-and-breech assembly, control means responsive to the attainment of a predetermined position by the tube-andbreech assembly and said rammer member in the recoil stroke thereof for causing said release element to release said releasable connection to free the tube-'and-breech assembly from said rammer member so that the former may return in counter recoil without the latter, and means for holding said rammer member in fully retracted position in the direction of recoil.

3. A rammer as set forth in claim 2 said control means being adjustable to vary the point in the recoil stroke of said rammer member and tubeand-breech assembly at which said release ele- 19 ment is angularly moved to release said connection.

a. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed. against recoil and counterrecoil, a rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil and arranged to travel in the direction of recoil through a distance greater than the distance traveled by the tubeand-breech assembly during recoil, means including a release elementmounted for angular movement about an axis iyin'g along the path of reciprocation of said rammer member and forming a releasable connection between the tube-andbreech assembly and said rammer member by means of which the tube andbreech assembly and said rammer member may travel 'breechwardly in unison through a predetermined distance upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly, actuating means for moving said element angularly for releasing connection to free-said rammer member from the tube-and-breech assembly so that said rammer member may continue its breechward travel and so that the tube-and-breech assembly may return in counterrecoil without said rammer member, and means for subsequently moving said rammer member in the direction of counterrecoil.

,5. A rammer as set forth in claim 4 in which said actuating means may be adjusted with respect to the recoil stroke of said rammer member and the tube-and-breech assembly so that the point of occurrence of angular movement of said release element may be varied.

6. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged. for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counterrecoil, a rammer member carried by said supportfor reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil and arranged to *travel in the direction of recoil through a distance greater than the distance traveled by the tu eand-breech assembly during recoil, means including a release element mounted for angular movement about an axis lying along the path of reciprocation of said rammer member and forming a releasable connnection between the .tubeand-breech assembly and said rammer member by means of which the tube-and-loreech assembly and said rammer member may travel breechwardly in unison through a predetermined distance upon recoil of the tube-andebreech as sembly, means operable in response to attainment by the tube-andbreech assembly and rammer member of a predetermined position in the recoil stroke thereof for moving said element angularly for releasing .said connection to free said rammer member from the tube-.andabreech assembly so that said ,rammer member roay continue its travel in the direction .;of recoil and so that the tube-and-breech assembly may ,return in counterrecoil without said ,rammer member, and means for subsequently moving said rammer member in the-direction of counterrecoil.

.7. A rarnmer for a gun having a tube-and breech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counterrecoil, a rammermember-carried .by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, a driving member connected to the 'tube-and-breech assembly,

=means between said rammer *member :and the 'breechward side of said driving member to be engaged by said driving member upon recoil of 2c the tube-and-breech assembly, releasable means between said rammer member and said driving member and including a rotatable release element mounted for angular movement about an axis lying along the path of reciprocation of said rammer member and normally arranged to establish a connection between the tube-and breech assembly and said rammer member so that said rammer member is prevented initally from traveling breechwardly independently of the tube-and-breech assembly, means for moving said release element angularly for releasing said releasable means to free said rammer member from said driving member so that the tube-andbreech assembly may return in counterrecoil Without said'rammer member, and. means for returning said rammermember in the direction of recoil.

:8. A ramnier for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counter-recoil, a rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, said rammer member being mounted for reciprocatory travel .a greater linear distance than the movement of the tube-and-breech assembly in recoil, a driving member connected to the tube-and-breech assembly, bufier ;means carried by said rammer member for engagement by the breechward side of said driving member upon recoil of the tubeand-breech assembly to drive said rammer mem ber in the direction of recoil, a releasable connection between said rammer member and said drisving member whereby said rammer member is prevented from movement vin recoil independently of said driving member, said connection including ,a release elementmounted for angular movement about an axis lying along the path of reciprocation ofsaidrammermember, and means responsive to a predetermined movement or" the :tubeeand-breech assembly in recoil for moving said release element singularly for releasing said releasable connection to free said rammer member for travel in the direction of recoil independently of said driving member.

'9. A rammer for a gun having tube-and- .breech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counterrecoil, a'rammer member carried by said support-for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, a driving member connected to the tube-and-breech assembly, buffer means carried by said rammer member for engagement by the breechward side of said driving member upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly, disengageable means connecting said rammer member and said driving member and including a pair of elements relatively angularly movableabout an axis parallel with the direction of recoil and carried respectively by said driving member andsaidrammer member, cooperable lug means respectively on said elements and normally positioned ;to engage each other upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly to prevent said rammer member from traveling breechwardly independently of the tube-and-breech assembly, and means operable in response to movement to a predetermined position in recoil of said rammer member and tube-and-breech assembly, to move said elements relatively angularly and thereby disengage said lug means to free said rammer member for continued recoil independently of said driving member.

10. A .ranuner as set forth in claim 9 in which i said last-named means is adjustable to vary the point in the recoil movement of said rammer member and tube-and-breech assembly at which said elements are relatively angularly moved to disengage said lugs.

11. A rcmrner for a having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counterrecoil, a raininer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil of said assembly, a driving member connected to the tube-andbreech assembly, mesns carried by said rammer member d adapted to be engaged by the breechward side of said driving member to retract rammer member upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly, means releasably connecting raininer member and said driving member 2nd including a pair of relatively angularly movable elements carried respectively by said driving member and said rammer member, cooperable lug means respectively on said e1ements and normally positioned to engage each other upon initial recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly that said reinrner member is initially prevented from traveling breechward independently oi the tube-and-breech assembly, and means operable in response to predetermined travel of said rammer member and tubeand-breech assembly in the direction of recoil for moving said elements relatively engularly to disengage said lugs for freeing said rammer member from said driving member so that said rammer member may continue its movement in the direction of recoil independently of said driving member.

12. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arrrngeol for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising support, rammer means including a longitudinal member mounted on said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and oounterrecoil, a driving member connected to the tube-and-breech assembly and including an open internally splined element encircling said ramrner member, means rigidly crrried by said rammer member and includ ng an externally splined element concentric with and complementary to said internally splined element, one of said elements being mounted for angular movement and being normally angularly positioned with respect to the other so that the teeth thereon are longitudinally ali ned to lock rarnrner member against longitudinal movement with respect to said driving member in the direction o recoil, means on said ramrner member an abutment which said driving member may to propel said rammer member breechwardly upon recoil of the tube-andbreech assembly, and means for moving one of acid splined elements angularly with respect to other splined element so that the teeth on on are aligned with the grooves in the other cluding a longitudinal member mounted on said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, a driving member connected to the tube-and-breech assembly and including an open internally spl ned element encircling said rammer member, means rigidly carried by said rammer member and including an externally splined element concentric with and complementary to said internally splined element, one of said elements being mounted for angular movement above its axis and being normally angularly positioned with respect to the other so that the teeth thereon are longitudinally aligned to lock said rammer member against longitudinal movement with respect to said driving member in the direction of recoil, means on said rammer member forming an abutment against Which said driving member may engage to propel said rammer member breechwarclly upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly, a longitudinal tubular member coaxial with and surrounding said rammer member, means mounting said tubular member for angular movement about its axis, means connecting one end of said tubular member to said engularly movable splined element, means forming a spiral groove in said tubular member, means carried by said support and including a follower engageable with said groove, and means mounting said tubular member and said follower for relative movement in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil whereby said tubular member is moved ancularly upon recoil of the tube and breech assembly to effect angular movement of the aforesaid splined element with respect to said other splinecl element to align the teeth of one element with the grooves of the other so that said externally splined element may pass longitudinally through said internally splined element to free said ramrncr member from said driving member.

14. A rammer for a gun having a tube-and breech lbly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support, rarnrner means including a longitudinal member mounted on said su port for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, a driving member connected to the tube-and-breech assembly and including an open internally splined element encircling said rammer member, means rigidly carried by said rammer member and including an externally splined element concentric with and complementary to said internally splined element, said internally splined element being mounted for angular movement about its axis and being normally angularlv positioned with respect to said externally splined element so that the teeth thereon are longitudinally aligned to lock said rammer member against longitudinal movement with respect to driving member in the direction of recoil, means on said rarnrncr member forming an abutment against which said driving member may engage to propel said rammer member breechwardly upon recoil of the tube and-breech .ssembly, a longitudinal tubular member coaxial with and surrounding said ramrner member, means mounting said tubular mern ber on said support for angular move ent about and for longitudinal move. at the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, connecting said tubular member and driving member for movement therewith, connecting one end of said tube to said internally splined element, means forming a spiral groove in said tube, means fixed on support against recoil and counterrecoil and including a follower engageable with said groove whereby said tubular member is moved angularly upon recoil of the tube-and-bre-ech assembly to effect rotation of said internally splined element with respect to said externally splined element to align the teeth of one element with the grooves of the splined .counterrecoz and encircling said rammer shaft, there being u pa o eitccllnal y th u h sai internally element to free said ramrner member from said driving member,

15. A rammer as set forth in claim 14 in which follower is mounted on said support for al adjustment with respect to said spiral groove in said tubular member so that the timing of angular movement of said tubular member may be varied.

A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbre asses =ly mounted for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil counter-recoil, an elongated tubular housing carried by said support and generally rare sling the tube-and.breech assembly, a lon- .H

gituuinal r er shaft carried by said housing for recipro at. in the directions of recoil and control tube within said housing a control groove in said control tube, ,a hollow control housing at one end or" said tubular housing and through which said rammer shaft and control tube extend, means connectin aid control housing to said tubular housing for ad.- iustment about the axis of said rammer Shaft and control tube for disposition in either of at least two angulaly spaced positions, means for lg said control housing to the support in either if its two positions, and means positionable in either of at least two longitudinally spaced positions in said control housing in either of its positions including a follower engageable with spiral groove in said control tube.

A i'amnier for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly mounted for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil counterrecoil, a longitudinal rammer shaft carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, a control tube carried by said support and encircling said rammer shaft. there being a spiral control groove in said tube, a control housing on said support through which said rammer shaft and control tube extend, means connecting said control housing to said support for adjustment about the axis of said rammer shaft and control tube for disposition in either of at least two angularly spaced p 'tlons, and means positionin either of at least two longitudinally spaced positions in said control housing in either of its sitiens and including a follower engageable with said spiral groove in said control tube.

18. A rammer for a gun having a tub.e-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, c prisf V a support fixed against recoil and counterrecoil, a rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, means connecting rammer member and tube-and-breech assembly for propelling said rammer member in the direction of recoil upon recoil of the tube- -breech assembly, means for releasably reta 1g said rammer in its recoiled position, loadable energy storlng means connected to said rammer, and means connecting the tube-andFbreech assembly and said energy-storing means for loading said energy-storing means upon counterreccil of the tube-and-breech assembly whereby said energy-storing means returns said rammer member in the direction of counterrecoil after release of said rammer from said releasable means.

19. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and. counmar member c d by t rm recoil, means connecting said rammer member and the ,tube-and-breech assembly for propelling said rammer member in the direction of recoil upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly, releasable means for retaining said rammer member in its recoiled position, a coil spring encircling said rammer member, an abutment on said rammer member against which one end of said spring may abut, means including a collar portion loosely encircling said rammer member and abutting the other end of spring, and means connecting said collar portion and the tubeeand-breech assembly for compressing said spring between said collar portion and the aforesaid abutment upon counterrecoil only of the tube-and-breech assembly so that said spring is loaded .to provide energy for returning said rammer member in the direction of counterrecoil upon release thereof from said releasable means.

,20. A rammer for a gun having tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterreeoil, comprising a support fixed against recoil and counterrecoil, a longitudinal rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil and including a longitudinal extension portion, means connecting said rammer member and the tube-andbreech assembly for propelling said rammer memher in the direction of recoil upon recoil of the tube-,and-breech assembly, releasable means for retaining said rammer member in its recoiled positicn, a coil spring encircling said extension por- .1.0. of Said rammer member, a first connecting member on said extension portion to which one end of said sprin i c nnected, means in l n a second connecting member loosely encircling said extension portion and connected to the other an o said sp in and mean c n tin said se ond con ct ng m ber and the tube-an breech assembly for tensioning said spring between said f rst second connecting members only upon oounterrecoil of the tube-and-breech assemblyiso that said spring is loaded to provide energy for returning said rammer member in the direction of counterreooil upon release thereof ir m sa d r le sa l m ans- ,2 A remm r f9! n gun ving a u -andbree oh assembly arranged for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support, rammer means including a longitudinal tubular rammer member carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, means con-- necting the tube-and-breech assembly and said rammer member for propelling said rammer member in the direction of recoil, abutment means cooperable between said support and said rammer member for limiting movement of said rammer member in the direction of recoil, said abutment means including an abutment member carried by said rammer member for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, and spring means housed within said tubular rammer member and urging said. abutment member into one position with respect to said rammer memher to provide a resilient stop for said rammer member.

22. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly arranged for recoil and counterrec il, comprising .a sup ort, r mm r mean including a longitu inal tubular ramm r m mb r carried by said support for reciprocation in the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, means connecting the tube-and-breech assembly and-said rammer member for propelling said rammer member in the direction of recoil, there being an elongated opening in the wall of said rammer member, a limit member carried within said rammer member for relative longitudinal movement, an abutment member on said limit member and projeoting through said elongated opening, means on said support to be engaged by said abutment member when said rammer member reaches the end of its movement in at least one direction, and spring means within said rammer member and cooperable to yieldingly hold said limit member in one position with respect to said rammer member.

23. In a rammer having a support and a longitudinally reciprocable rammer member, the combination of a sleeve encircling said rammer memher and carried by said support for both longitudinal and angular movement, there being a longitudinally spiraled groove in said sleeve, and means carried by said support including a 01- lower engageable with said groove for imparting angular movement to said sleeve upon longitudinal movement thereof, said means including a bracket having at least a pair of mounting portions spaced longitudinally with respect to the beginning and end portions of said groove, and a follower member constructed and arranged for mounting on one of said mounting portions in either one of at least two longitudinally spaced positions and for mounting on another of said mounting portions in either of at least two different longitudinally spaced positions.

1 .4. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreech assembly mounted for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support, a rammer member mounted on said support for reciprocation in i the directions of recoil and counterrecoil, buffer means on said rammer member including a rigid element and a portion formed of resilient mate- 'iai, extending in the direction of counterrecoil, a driving member carried by the tube-andbrcech assembly and including a buifer plate dispc 2 means to engage said bufier means upon recoil of the tube-and-breeoh assembly to propel said rammer member in the direction of recoil, and means mounting said buffer means and said or plate for relative positioning so that said buns-r plate is alternately engageable with either said resilient material or said rigid element.

25. A rammer for a gun having a tube-andbreecli assembly mounted for recoil and counterrecoil, comprising a support, a longitudinally extending ra :ier mounted on said support for reciprocation 1n the directions of recoil and counterrecoil and for rocking about its longitudinal axis, buiier means rigidly carried on said rammer member and including a portion formed of resilient material and an angularly spaced rigid element both of which extend in the direction of counterreooil, a buffer member carried by the tube-and-breech assembly and disposed at the counterrecoil side of said bufier means for engage ment with said buffer means upon recoil of the tube-and-breech assembly, said rammer member buffer means being normally positioned angularly with respect to said buffer member so that said buffer means engages the rigid element of said butler means upon recoil of the tube-andbreech assembly, means for, releasably locking said rammer in position after it has been moved in the direction of recoil by the tube-and-breech assembly and while the tube-and-breech assembly returns to battery, means for returning said rammer member in the direction of counterrecoil, and means for rocking said rammer member and said buffer means as aforesaid to dispose said resilient material of said buffer means in position to engage said bufier member as said rammer member completes its return in the direction of counterrecoil.

26. A control member for a rammer of the type described having an externally splined element thereon, said member comprising a tube including an internally splined element thereon, there being a gene-rally rectangular opening in the wall of the tube and extending substantially half the length of said tube, there being an elongated groove in the wall or the tube and extending substantially the other half of the length of said tube, said groove comprising two straight longitudinally-extending end portions connected by a helical portion, said control member being adapted for releasable connection with the rammer by means or" said splined elements whereby said control member will release said rammer at a predetermined portion of its movement.

2'2. A control member for a rammer of the type described having a first splined element thereon, said member comprising a tube ncluding a second splined element adapted to engage and disengage with said first splined element, there being a generally rectangular opening in the Wall of the tube and extending substantially half the length of said tube, there being a groove in the wall of the tube and extending substantially the remaining half of the length of said tube, said groove comprising two straight longitudinallyextending end portions connected by a helical portion, said control member being adapted for releasable connection with the rammer by means of said splined elements whereby said control member will release said rammer at a predetermined portion of its movement.

28. In a rammer mechanism for a gun mounted in a cradle for recoil, a support fixed on said cradle, a rammer tube, a control tube and a torque tube, all said tubes being coaxiall mounted on said support, parallel with said gun, said control tube and torque tube each having a helical slot therein, with said control tube being rotatably and axially slidably mounted on said support and said torque tube being rotatably mounted only in said support, a driving member secured to said gun and engages-bis with said rammer tube in recoil, means connecting said driving member and said control tube for relative rotation only, a releasable connection between rammer tube and control tube, a rammer arm extending radially of said rammer tube, means forming a guide path on said support, a pin on said rammer tube adapted to project through said helical slot in said torque tube into cooperative relation with said means, a stud carried by said housing and engaging the helical slot in said control tube to thereby rotate the same and release said connection when said driving member, rammer and control tubes reach a predetermined point in recoil, and spring means urging said torque tube to a predetermined rotational position when displaced therefrom by rotation of said torque tube as said pin moves rearwardly with said rammer tube in recoil, whereby said pin is compelled to traverse said guide path and pivot said rammer arm into and out of the bore axis of said gun.

29. In combination with a gun mounted for assesses recoil and counter recoil, a; rammer rciprocable adjacent and parallel with said gun, a driving member connected for recoil and counter-recoil vvith said gun, and a releasable connection between said rammer and member, said connection comprising a splined sleeve on said rammer and a splined sleeve connected with said driving member for relative rotation only, the splines on said sleeves being engageable and disengageable in response to relative rotation thereof, and means responsive to recoil of said gun for relatively rotating said sleeves.

30'. A ramming mechanism for a gun mounted for recoil and counter-recoil, an elongated rammer mounted parallel with said gun, a driving member fixed with said gun for movement there-'- with in recoil and counter-recoil, said driving member having a buffer ring provided with a recess in its face engaging said rammer, rigid and resilient contact means carried by said rammer in angularly spaced relation about the axis of said rarnmer, each said contact means being opposite said recess when the other is engageable by said buffer ring, mean rotating said rammer so that said resilient contact means is opposite said recess when said rammer is moved in recoil and said rigid contact means is opposite said recess when said rafn'mer moves incounterfec'oili 31". In'a' rammer mechanism for a gun mounted for recoil and counter'r'ec'oil, a rammer mounted parallel With said gun, a driving member fixed to said gun and engageable with said rammer to retract the same in response to recoil, means holding said rammer retracted while said gun and member return to battery, and rigid and resilient contact surfaces between said member and rammer, said surfaces being moved alternately into alignment in adirection parallel with the path of said rammer as said rammer is moved in retraction and ramming movements, respectively. H v

OWEN \V. MARLOW'.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITEn STATES PATENTS N mb rs. we 1,332,763 Schneider 1 Mar. 2, 1920 1,360,523 Hadcock et a1 Nov. 30, 1920 l,51' 7 ,75 5 Schneider Dec; 2,- 192a 1, 02,5 3 Conlon Oct; 12,1926 1,652,323 Conlon Aug. 28, 1928 1,705, 59 Conlon Mar. 19, 1929 2,418,656 Molins et a1. Apr. 8, 1947 

